Race morning I wrote in my journal that I felt “good enough to compete, but not well enough to be confident…Remember this is good practice for performing under any circumstance. Enjoy the challenge, push yourself, focus on the controllables.” I wasn’t excited to race like I normally am. I had doubts and I didn’t know what to expect. But, when race time arrived, I dove in giving it my all. I had a great start, exiting the water in 4th position which put me in the lead pack of seven on the bike. The women worked well together, taking turns on the front to keep a 25 second lead coming into T2. As I started the run, I was uncertain of what my legs could produce. I ran with compatriots Sarah True and Katie Zaferes, trying to hold on, until I was able to make a break and cross the line in first. It was an incredibly hard race for me, but I am proud of my effort and happy with the result. Team USA had a podium sweep for the second time this year! It is incredible to be part of such a strong USA contingency. Thank you, USAT, for all of your help and support; the results show how much work you do.
When the race ended, I couldn’t believe it was time to head back to Vitoria. It seemed like such a short trip to London. I arrived late on Thursday evening and flew out Monday morning, but I got a lot done in the hours I was in London. Patrick’s parents, Jane and Craig Lemieux, flew from the USA to watch me race and to visit with us for the first time since Christmas. Mark Holowesko (who sponsors me through his incredible boutique hotel: The Island House) also flew to London from the USA with his wife Nancy to watch the race. Nancy took a flight to London from the USA for only two days to watch the race—now that’s dedication! After the race, Mark treated me, the Lemieuxs, and Coach Jamie and his partner Esti to dinner. It was a fun-filled night, and the perfect way to end a successful race weekend. Thank you, Mark, Nancy, Craig, Jane, and Heather for flying over and for your continued support.
I want to thank all of the fans that came out to Hyde Park to cheer on the triathletes. It’s motivating to see and hear so many people. I must apologize to some fans, however. After races, I like to spend time taking selfies and signing autographs; however, after the race in London, I was taken straight to drug testing. Usually, I am in and out in about a half an hour. In London, I was in there for over three hours. First, I gave blood. Then I produced a urine sample that was too dilute. By the time I was able to produce a sample that was concentrated enough, the venue was dissembled and no fans were left. I want to give my sincere apologies, especially to those who I Tweeted I’d get a photo with you.
On Monday morning, I had an opportunity to visit the Columbia Threadneedle (CT) Headquarters and meet some of the employees who competed in the age group triathlon races. They treated Patrick, my agent Heather, and me to a proper English breakfast in a quaint London building. They called it the “city breakfast.” It consisted of scrambled eggs on toast, tomato, mushroom, sausage, bacon, and black pudding. After breakfast, we went to Bloomberg Business of Sport for an interview. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was fish tanks. Apparently Mr. Bloomberg thinks fish help relax you and clear your mind. The office is so big and they have so many fish tanks that there is a fulltime marine biologist at the office. The interview was conducted in the middle of the work area (a modern, open cubicle area). I watched as a broadcaster gave the news while I was being interviewed. She stood on a block of wood that had controls at her feet. She controlled the camera, gave the news, and looked amazing while doing it! After Bloomberg, we went back to the Columbia Threadneedle office for a meet and greet. Thank you, CT, for the wonderful day and for supporting our sport and encouraging others to get involved in a healthy lifestyle.
After London, Patrick and I went to San Sebastian, the food capital of the world. San Sebastian has the most Michelin stars per capita of anywhere in the world. We had a great time eating, drinking, relaxing, and not talking about or doing anything related to triathlon. My next race will be the Hamburg WTS on July 18th.
Photo thanks to triathlon.org
USA Podium Sweep! Photo thanks to triathlon.org
This is a photo a fan took that I love. Thanks for the photo and the cheers.
This isn't my prettiest picture. Picture thanks to Janos Schimdt.
Dinner with Mark, Nancy, Jamie, Esti, Jane, Craig, Pat and me at Bar Boulud.
Interview at Bloomberg Business of Sport.
This is where CT treated us to an English breakfast.
This is what I ate the night before the race.
